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The theft of campaign signs in Santa Barbara during election season is nothing new. But when one is burned—especially one that calls for a citywide ban on medical marijuana dispensaries—it’s enough to rouse the ire of elected officials who have made no secret of their hatred for herb.

Less than 12 hours after the alleged act of arson took place, state assemblymember Pedro Nava and city councilmember Dale Francisco condemned the anonymous “thugs, bullies, and cowards” who torched two “Yes on T” signs planted on anti-pot advocate Mari Mender’s front lawn, and then stenciled the number “420” on the curb directly in front of her San Roque home.

Tyler Hayden

Nava holds up a photo of the 420 stencil

Mender said her family was woken up at around 3:30 a.m. Monday morning to the sounds of her dogs barking, but soon fell back asleep when things quieted down. It was only when her husband went outside later in the morning did they discover the damage. With paperwork in hand, she spoke to the media just before marching into the police station and filing a report.

Mender, a psychiatric nurse at Cottage Hospital, has been an outspoken proponent of Measure T which, if passed in November, would ban all medical marijuana dispensaries in the city and do away with the recently-adopted ordinance that currently allows three tightly regulated, nonprofit shops.

Citing her firsthand experience of working with users, Mender has claimed in various speeches and published op-eds that dispensaries and their products promote drug use amongst children and have no place in Santa Barbara. The married mother of two teenage daughters has taken a leave of absence from her job to campaign on Measure T’s behalf, personally donating $400 thus far to the cause.

To date, the Yes on T contingent has raised $3,555 in campaign contributions while the No on T camp has raised $5,525.

Standing next to Mender and Francisco during Monday afternoon’s press conference, Nava accused Measure T detractors of the purported vandalism, pointing specifically to the spray-painted 420. “Those of you may know that 420 is part of the pot culture that talks about April 20. (It’s time to light up),” he said. “If you ask me why I believe that it is the people who want to see more marijuana in Santa Barbara who committed these crimes, this is in part the reason why.”

Tyler Hayden

Photos taken at Mari Mender’s vandalized property, and an intact “Yes on T” sign

Nava, who has fought against what he terms the “proliferation of marijuana” in his district throughout his entire state assembly tenure, said that last night’s incident is symptomatic of the weed industry. “If you want to see more marijuana in Santa Barbara, you can expect to see additional acts of lawlessness,” he said. The assemblymember and attorney general hopeful also juxtaposed what he saw as more civilized discourse during the controversy surrounding BevMo!’s recent opening, saying no signs were set on fire then. Conversely, he said, “marijuana activists contain an element that is aggressive and that is hostile.”

Francisco agreed, stating that “[Retail marijuana stores] will attract a criminal element because that is a major part of the marijuana industry.” The councilmember has also consistently resisted the allowance of any dispensaries in town, arguing that Santa Barbara is the only tri-county city to currently permit pot shops, and that citizens are paying the price because of that. “I’ve said from the beginning what this will do,” he said. “One of the reasons I fought for Measure T is exactly because of this sort of crime.”

Mender said she’s been shaken by the episode, and is confused by what she sees as a blatant trampling of her First Amendment rights. “I’m just trying to express my own opinion in my own home,” she said. “It really saddens me that, in my efforts to protect this community and protect my family and other families, I am subject to this kind of harassment.” Mender, who is on the board of directors at Jodi House (a brain injury support center), is also the creator of a Yes on T Facebook page that currently has 99 members.

“I don’t know who would do such a thing to someone like me who is a nurse,” she went on. “I take care of other people; I have a great deal of compassion for people who are ill. But I also have a great deal of protective feelings about this community and about my family and about everybody’s children.”

Elaborating that marijuana, in her opinion, undermines parents and puts kids at risk, Mender had harsh words for the alleged vandals who she said have crossed the line when it comes to disagreement over the issue. “Decent people have conversations when they disagree,” she said, “not set fire to people’s lawns in the middle of the night. Unless they’re brain damaged.” Mender said she wants to see the responsible parties prosecuted, explaining she and her family now fear for their safety.

Ethan Kravitz, campaign manager for No on T, sought to distance his group from the sign-burning and issued the following statement Monday afternoon: “We are saddened to hear about this unfortunate incident. Vandalism and arson have no place in Santa Barbara and we send our condolences to the Menders. The No on Measure T campaign does not condone any criminal activity, which is why we support maintaining safe access to legal, non profit dispensaries instead of forcing patients to turn to the black market for medicine.”

One of the authors on the ballot argument against Measure T, Dr. Steve Hosea said in response to Nava’s and Francisco’s claims that the perpetrators represent pro-dispensary advocates as a whole, “An isolated incident by an isolated individual doesn’t prove anything. No data anywhere shows that getting rid of dispensaries would get rid of the underworld element that perpetrates crime by selling marijuana illegally.”

“I don’t think anyone would ever condone what’s been done,” Cottage Hospital’s Associate Director of Internal Medicine Education went on, “and you can’t draw any conclusions from it. Dispensaries don’t represent any criminal element. To credit this to dispensaries is a misappropriation of blame,” he summed up.

Rattled, but not intimidated, Mender said she plans to put up more signs and will continue to fight for what she believes in right. “I’m just going to do the best I can to carry on and put one foot in front of the other,” she said. “This is not going to stop me from doing the work I do. It’s important work.”

Asked after the press conference why she thought she was singled out, Mender drew a blank. “I don’t know why I was attacked,” she said. “I’m well-liked in the community and don’t have any enemies.” Francisco, who overheard, leaned in. “You do now,” he said.

Comments

Lol, it's not about her I bet but more about the signs... it was likely a couple of teenagers who have NOTHING to do with the politics of the situation but who were probably stoned, decided to express their opinion on the sign and sidewalk. And it would be unlikely that teenagers got their marijuana from one of the dispensaries.

Having recently lost my mother to cancer I believe that marijuana has a lot of health advantages for some people and was grateful that she had access to get it legally because she would have had anxiety about using it had it been illegal. Drinking tea made from it helped her nausea and made her more capable of eating, and relaxing. The dispensaries provide a legal way for law abiding citizens in her situation to get some relief from terrible pain.

I cannot understand how a nurse could actually be so against the legalization of marijuana to actually take a leave from work. Good for you to have something you believe in, sad for you to think that the attack was personal because it probably wasn't, my feeling is that it was against the sign not you. I don't like that anyone is out there burning signs and using fire to make their point with how flammable our city has been lately, that's more alarming to me than what they burned. Fortunately it looks like they only singed the sign!

This isn't a gregarious crime but more like a reason to further bring attention to the political issue and to give the anti-pot candidates a soapbox to climb up on and to put the pro-pot folks on the ropes and make them look like the bad guys. Come on now, pot doesn't kill people, people kill people! Pot doesn't burn signs, people do. Maybe Mari or her family burned the sign to get more attention and bring in more donations? ha now that would be funny!

She sounds misguided enought to have burned the sign herself. Make no mistake...pot is readily available to anyone that wants it in EVERY U.S. city. That is how the Mexican drug lords make billions and wage war with Mexico.Pot clinics eliminate local street dealers and cut druglords profits. Pot will probably be legal in Nov. and hopefully hemp will be legal soon after. The only problem I see with pot is the billions wasted fighting it which only kept the street price high.One thing is for sure...a person taking pot for a medical reason will not be faced with the amazing amount of horrible side effects of doctor prescribed pills. I am 50 and have never met a person harmed by pot.

The bald guy holding the sign. Nada? Nava? Looks mighty guilty about something. Why is he so often found standing around scenes of political mischief of one kind or another? Check out his alibies-- he will most likely offer several.

I absolutely agree with Santabarbarasand.... and to add my own comment, I would say that this whole story is just a publicity stunt for YES on T. Why is this that big of a deal? Who says she didn't burn it herself just to garner more attention that she and the campaign are now getting? Just asking...

And for the record, I don't smoke pot, but believe it should be a readily available choice for those who wish to (of legal age).

Ethics of the "Morally Superior" Minority?Just wondering - Is it a violation of California Fair Political Practices Commission rules for elected officials such as Pedro Nava and Dale Francisco to make false statements regarding the results of passage of a ballot proposition 20 days before an election?Mary Mender's statement that marijuana dispensaries promote drug use among children isn't supported by any facts. Decriminalization in the US and around the world has reduced cannabis use among young people. As a private citizen, she's entitled to publicly state her irrational beliefs.Pedro Nava states that this incident (burning signs on private property) is "symptomatic of the weed industry", that (storefront marijuana dispensaries) will increase the amount of marijuana in the community", that " you can expect to see additional acts of lawlessness" if Measure T fails, and that “marijuana activists contain an element that is aggressive and that is hostile.” None of these statements is true.Dale Francisco's states “[Retail marijuana stores] will attract a criminal element because that is a major part of the marijuana industry”, that "citizens are paying the price" for allowing marijuana dispensaries in Santa Barbara, and that “one of the reasons I fought for Measure T is exactly because of this sort of crime.” Francisco has repeatedly lied to the mayor, city council and people of Santa Barbara about the legality of collective storefront dispensaries, lied about the text of Prop 215 that the majority of voters supported, as well as the intentions and background of the authors of the1996 ballot initiative. He's done as much to discredit the movement to ban dispensaries as the non-profit providers of court-ordered drug treatment (CADA programs) have in misrepresenting the data on their website. There is no evidence connecting this incident to opponents of Measure T. It's contrary to the behavior of supporters of dispensaries in 2 years of city discussion on the subject and contrary to the beliefs and historical behavior of any supporters of marijuana legalization. It's an incident that is totally compatible with the slander, libel, and false statements made by those opposed to medical marijuana in general and dispensaries as a means of providing it to patients.

Does anyone else find it utterly offensive that Mender, who is on the board of directors at the Jodi House, accused the vandals of being brain damaged? That's a terrible thing to say coming from someone who you would think takes brain injuries and mental handicaps very seriously. The other Jodi House board members should twice about about being in her company.

Hmmm. Anyone who disagrees with the pro-pot crowd must be guilty of fabricating, grandstanding, lying, whatever? Sounds to me like some folks have been consuming too much of something.

ANYONE burning political signs for ANY reason has a severe misunderstanding of the rights and responsibilities that go with living in a (mostly) free and (mostly) democratic (small d) country. WHOEVER the signburners were hark back to the tactics of the Ku Klux Klan, surely one of the most, if not the most, shameful examples of domestic terrorism in the history of our country.

I like how she calls marijuana patients "users." Meanwhile she is prescribing all sorts of nasty Big Pharma drugs to her psychiatric patients. Who is the drug pusher here? Did you know that over 35,000 Americans die each year from overdosing on Pharma drugs? Not 1 person...let me say that again...not 1 person has ever overdosed on marijuana. It is physically impossible. Maybe she should be asking herself about US Patent 6630507 on MARIJUANA AS MEDICINE that the US Department of Health and Human Services holds? And just how do storefront dispensaries cannabis kids? Dispensaries can't be located anywhere near a school and you must be at least 18 years old and have a doctor's recommendation just to step foot in one. This lady seriously needs some psychiatric help or at least she needs to come to grips medical science. Does she perhaps even know that her own body has an endocannabinoid system that controls hunger, sleep, memory, and healing? Yes Mari, that's right. Your own body creates cannabinoids - the same exact chemical structure as cannabis. And if she did do her research, she would learn that most common ailments like rheumatic arthritis, diabetes type II, glaucoma, chronic pain, are all a direct result in the break down of your body's endocannabinoid system and can be treated by consuming cannabis. Who's medicine are you going to trust? Big Pharma's? Or God's? Here Mari, let me help educate you. Here is a consortium of the World's leading medical scientists www.medicalcannabis.com. See for yourself. Or maybe you should check out the CME course on Cannabis provided by the San Francisco School of Medicine. Either way, check yourself.

This story certainly got more attention than it should have. I have not been following the whole Measure T issue much. Has anyone pointed out the irony of a measure that is worded such that a "yes" vote actually means "no" and a "no" vote actually means "yes?" So if you are against pot dispensaries you vote "yes" and if you are in favor of pot dispensaries you vote "no?" Silly.

Santabarbarasand hits the nail on the head all the way around and I will add to her post by saying that a friend of our family died of cancer about fifteen years ago but in the process of putting up the fight had access (illegally) to marijuana which greatly if not completely alleviated nausea from the treatment.

Apart from the potential of the flames from the burning sign spreading--which is not an issue in this article--what is the difference between burning a sign and ripping it up? The real issue is that Pedro Nava, despite being a poster boy of the local "progressive" movement, is just another business-as-usual politician on this issue.

Councilmember Francisco says “[Retail marijuana stores] will attract a criminal element because that is a major part of the marijuana industry.”

As long as marijuana is illegal--which it has been since 1937--the Black Market value will attract the crime element. Hypocritical moralists decry marijuana while saying nothing about the fact that the latest fad of "wine tasting" is often nothing more than an excuse to get buzzed and then get behind the wheel and put everyone else's life in danger. Having point out THAT little bit of intellectual inconsistency, and having had my dad nearly killed by a guy who only had a couple of drinks and a 0.069 blood alcohol content, I will also point out that prohibition of alcohol was a miserable failure and that education based on facts is the best approach to dealing with drug/alcohol abuse.

Once again I will sound like a broken record: attention Messrs Nava and Francisco: marijuana was legal before 1937 and alcohol prohibition was a failure.

JohnLocke: the sad facts are that the anti-marijuana crowd have in fact been fabricating stories since the 1930's when they originally made it illegal. It's why when we hear a story like this, from someone who is obviously not living in the world of facts and science, you have a responsibility to question it.

She is indebted to big pharma - it's what she does during her day job. So her claim is some "user" (her word) found where she lived, partially burned a sign and spray painted her curb while going totally unnoticed? Then she and Nava make a press conference out of it so they can grandstand. How convient...

The facts are if Prop 19 passes, and measure T fails, she stands to lose A LOT (up to 80% in some programs) of government forced "patients" that she get paid to treat with big-pharmas drugs.

I'd say the chances of some stoner, urr sorry "user", finding where she lives, and then targeting her place with a lighter, some spray paint and a 420 stencil are slim to none.

This isn't even news. It's a trumped up story so Nava and this nurse can grandstand and get some press. Indy fail.

Half dozen porpoise guy-Of course I bought hemp TP, free range eggs, and organic romas from the farmers market. Now if I could just get some pure, filtered nitroglycerin for this bomb I'm making. Uh, I mean bong. No wait, I meant to say water pipe. Go T! (what? yes means no? no means yes?) Right. This whole thing totally makes sense. No T!

Hm... a rather curiously opportune burning, seems to me. Of course, it may well be that someone who wants us to vote no on T is responsible, but it may also be that this ACTIVIST was acting. One wonders. If the former, it was wrong; if the latter, it was doubly wrong.

And about that "freedom of speech" thing everyone likes to claim is being trambled when a private citizen acts in some way so as to attempt to curtail that speech... (and she is quoted complaining about it in the Newspress: "I feel this is a bigger issue than the marijuana. It's about my right of free speech in my own home." ) the First Amendment guarantees that the government will not infringe upon our freedom of speech, not that our neighbor may not try to do so.

And thirdly, I think it says much about this woman's character that she can be on the board of directors of Jodi House, a place for people with brain injuries, and then make a crack about the people who burned the sign being possibly "brain damaged".

Before this event, I had never heard of Ms. Mender. Regardless of her stance on Measure T, I can't say I am favorably impressed with her.

Ms. Mender, as a 'psychiatric nurse' would of course see patients with psychiatric conditions; exclusively of marijuana induced disorders? Co-relation/causation? An expert? A scientist? Certainly Ms. Mender would see other drug induced psychiatric conditions, including alcohol. So what's next on Ms. Mender agenda; an irresponsible alcohol prohibition; again?

I understand this democratic representative Nava's position about this conservative issue. But Santa Barbara could do worse as the marijuana capital, with 3 whole dispensaries. I didn't know that Amsterdam was so bad. After watching just a few of what should be embarrassing episodes of "On Patrol" the nightlife bar district could use a little regulation....and taxation. Perhaps alcohol creates a conflict of interest.

But standing next to the angelic Francisco, I can't help but wonder if Ms. Mender is the next right wing candidate positioning for city council. Please recall how many fools have fallen for Francisco and his paranoia over "traffic calming" and "SLOW DOWN" Santa Barbara signage. Let's see how many fall for this later charade. This is just another "wedge" issue. Too bad Nava, Blum, etc are participating in this holier-than-thou scapegoating.

The burnt signage representative of "free speech" is of course tragic but nothing as tragic as compared to the burnt lives of those caught up in autocratic behaviors. "Thugs, bullies and cowards" indeed.

I agree with Pedro Nava on a lot of issues, but the depth of his intellectual dishonesty here is appalling. Many groups "contain an element that is aggressive and that is hostile", but that says nothing about the other members of the group or the issues the group supports, if any. Consider the group of people named Pedro, or the group of bald men, or the group of men, or the group of Democrats, or the group of human beings ... each of these groups contain unsavory elements. It's particularly appalling that he compares "marijuana activists" to alcohol consumers -- as if the fact that no one torched a BevMo or anti-BevMo sign proves that there is no violence or hostility associated with alcohol, and somehow indicates that this one incident indicts everyone opposed to measure T. I don't think that Mr. Nava is stupid or vile, but in this case he is acting like someone who is.

"Nava accused Measure T detractors of the purported vandalism, pointing specifically to the spray-painted 420. “Those of you may know that 420 is part of the pot culture that talks about April 20. (It’s time to light up),” he said. 'If you ask me why I believe that it is the people who want to see more marijuana in Santa Barbara who committed these crimes, this is in part the reason why.' "

And what are the other reasons Mr. Nava? So let's see: Nava doesn't entertain the idea that it could have been Measure T supporters trying to make the other side look bad who did this?

None of us have any idea who did this, and for Nava to jump to his semi-conclusion in absence of facts shows that he lacks the judgment and objectivity to hold public office.

With officials such as him, isn't it any wonder innocent people get railroaded?

"(Francisco is) "arguing that Santa Barbara is the only tri-county city to currently permit pot shops, and that citizens are paying the price because of that. 'I’ve said from the beginning what this will do,' he said. 'One of the reasons I fought for Measure T is exactly because of this sort of crime.' "

I've known many a pot-smoker who were no more inclined to vandalize signs than the next person. Francisco's comment is silly.

The hypocrisy would be funny if it weren't so scary. Here we have supposed adults throwing around theories as though they were facts. The foolishness is alive and well up here in the Santa Ynez Valley as well. The right-wing moralists have galvanized to squash any idea of a pot shop, yet have no problem with people descending onto their valley, getting liquored up, then driving back to S.B. or points further under the influence. At least the pot smokers can take their pot home and smoke it there.

One more thing: since none of us know who burned the sign, let's hold off on passing judgment lest we be guilty of not know whereof we speak.

And to emkan: I absolutely agree with you the Mender's dig about "brain damaged" is inappropriate.

OK people, will these people be rewarded with more power? Time for a nonviolent revolution.

Did anyone else notice how the sign seemed to be burned specifically to say "Yes Marijuana Stores"?? I stand by my belief that some teens or young adults were walking or driving by, saw the sign and decided to express their opinion.... looks like they intentionally only burned part of the sign to make it say what they wanted.

I've known my share of pot smokers too and they lean towards being a mellow group, not a dangerous group. Honestly I am glad that the Indy reported on this because Keyt did too but their site doesn't let US comment and vent. I do think it's ridiculous that it's in the news at all but if they are going to write about it, at least let us comment!

This is exactly what this nut job and her Save The Streets need- MORE PRESS!! Ofcourse this was done by some silly kids who are frustrated with the hypocrisy they see.

If Mari Mender is a nurse and truly cares for people why no campaign against prescription drugs? Are these not more addictive than smoking some weed? I have many friends who don't smoke but take handfuls of pills. Where is your campaign on that issue Mari? And your tired old " gateway" drug defense is ignorant.

How do we know you didn't stage this event for more press? It seems to me you are no better than Lady Gaga or Madonna- fame whores..Who has assembly members on speed dial?

"With paperwork in hand, she spoke to the media just before marching into the police station and filing a report."

Not just paperwork in hand, but big photo placards. In other words, she called a press conference. What kind of power does this woman have, that she can snap her fingers and "the media" show up? And Nava and Francisco, too.

Notice how the article's wording just glosses over how the media just happened to be congregating on the steps of the police station when she arrived to file her complaint, as if the media were just passive recipients of news. Actually they completely created this story in collusion with this "activist."

Anyone see the big bold headline in the Daily Sound, "Arson Rocks San Roque"? Well I live in San Roque and we were not rocked. This is not arson. Committing minor vandalism with a lighter is not arson. But we do have media irresponsibility left and right. There's money to be made in fear-mongering, and in these recessionary times everyone sure is piling on.

Why does Mari believe this was a personal attack? Much more likely is that it was probably a couple neighborhood kids who were looking for something daring to do in the middle of the night. Happens to my house a few times a year.. toilet paper, various foods thrown, power shut off, just kid pranks, and I don't even have any kids in the house. So you give them an actual target, like a political sign against their favorite activity and it's just a matter of time! Really, pull your head out and stop thinking about how important you are that it must be a personal attack. You advocate your pharma drugs over pot? Let me tell you, Cottage Hospital (your department) nearly killed my wife feeding her pharma drugs for days, watching her obviously deteriorate, until they had to put her in ICU for a week! One doctor, out of several who apparently have an inability to believe what was obvious in front of them, finally listened to me and changed her meds. She almost died and my point is this: Believe in what you see, but make sure you have all the facts before going off half-cocked thinking that it's all about you; second, there is a place and time for everything under the sun, and while my wife doesn't use pot, it has undeniably helped a lot of people without nearly killing them like the manufactured pills pushed on patients every day. Even those pills have a place and time, it just doesn't mean they are the answer in every situation. Mari's self-centeredness, obvious from her reaction to some childish (literally) vandalism, is apparent again in that she believes that pot can't possibly be used as a med simply because it's not something she herself has ever needed.

Of all the Yes on T signs in all of S.B. (though I am guessing there aren't all that many) I find it verrrrrrrrrrrrry interesting that is was this particular woman that had hers burned. I don't believe in coincidences, and it seems to me that the only one who benefitted from this event is the Yes on T prohibitionists. Sorry, but I don't buy it. This was done by Mender herself, or arranged by her. A little Rove-ian politics right here in our own backyard. Kind of like when Hortipharm was raided four days before the City Council was supposed to vote on the new dispensary ordinance and the opponents weren't getting the votes they wanted. Hmmmmmmmm.

The prohibitionists are in their death throes, people! Cannabis will be legal in California in three short weeks. Stay tuned for increasing and escalating shenanigans like this before November 2.

Talk about three little pigs! If the signs were affixed anything like Ms. Mender's rationale they most likely blew down from the gust of a passing bicyclist- if they were even vandalized at all. All three of these charlatans, these ghosts from totalitarian past have proven themselves repeatedly dishonest to the point of manufacturing (i.e. lying) even in the simplest debates.Thank God Nava lost his AG bid, Mender works as a lobbyist for big pharma, and Francisco is a self hating Prop. 8 supporter. These are not people who should be given any credence, intellectual or otherwise.

JohnLocke, billclausen and I are in agreement! The stars have aligned .... against the stupidity of this Proposition. But that stupidity is only matched by the loons here who accuse Mender of doing it herself on NO basis whatsoever.

It is truly unfortunate that illogic, false "facts" and campaign manipulation take place in election campaigns. Certainly the Pro 19 people have done that in spades and I hope their work is for naught. But that in now way justifies the same type of idiocy on the other side.

I am saddened by the vitriol shown in these statements. It seems like our civilization, or lack of it, will continue to rule the discourse on controversial measures reported in the Independent. Whether you are for or against any measure, please try to avoid irresponsible comments about your fellow citizens. Unfounded statements of guilt on either side of this position have no place in what should be a reasoned discussion.Thank you, JohnLock, for your comments.

Yesterday I tried to find out what neighborhood this was, since the news said other signs in neighborhood were untouched. Unlisted - must have been someone really close to home (or already there) to identify Mender's house. Using a decal to paint 420 isn't something taggers do, but it's a good way to avoid being identified by handwriting - sameold sameold ridiculous disinformation and PR propaganda as the last two years - disgusting display by Nava and Francisco. Oh - doesn't Cottage Hospital do court-ordered substance abuse treatment? There hasn't been any input from people who provide therapy for any kind of substance abuse except ones who do mandatory court-ordered treatment as far as I know - what possible reason could they have to be opposed to arrests for cannabis possession?

Perhaps I am naïve, but I am stunned by the utter silence and noteworthy absence of outrage by feminists/progressives/Democrats at the characterization of Ms. Mender as a “whore”. Where is the storm of indignation that should follow such a sexist assault on a woman? The National Organization of Women has condemned the Jerry Brown campaign for failing to act after a staffer called Meg Whitman a “whore”. The use of the term has become a national issue and impacted the race for Governor in California, but the Santa Barbara community stands idly by, and in some instances mocks Ms. Mender, for doing nothing more than exercising her 1st amendment rights and choosing to call attention to criminal acts committed against her and her family. Madeleine K. Albright said it best, ”There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.” You may not like Ms. Mender’s position on marijuana, but no woman should be abandoned to the jackals who have lined up to attack her they way they have and call her a “whore”.

I think that it is this pedronava that is doing a bit of political pandering or also known as 'whoring' right about now. Don't expect the national organization of anything to come to your defense when you're in the wrong. Sorry for your loss. But you need to get over it.

Yeah, pedronava, you are overreacting... many of us think she has some other agenda based upon her behavior in relation to the minor bits of vandalism that were done to her sign, or that she or a family member did to the sign. Wonder how her children are treated at school by the pro pot kids? Many children and teenagers don't have as much self control or respect for other people's belief systems than many adults too (neither is perfect but guess what I am saying is that kids can be really mean) and it was a fellow student, or group of them, of her children. I have some things I feel passionate about but I would NEVER quit my job and become a lobbyist to do them, ESPECIALLY while I have children who are still in school, it makes your children a target for bullying. Children first, this other stuff should have a lower priority.

If you think about it for a second, you'll see how the entire story makes no sense at all. I'm sure the cops saw right through it, as we're not hearing about any kind of investigation on this.

Random kids walking by her place? No way.

How many random kids walking down the street carry spray paint and a 420 stencil on them? Not to mention then stand around in the front yard while they do a slow custom burn job on several signs, making sure to burn them just right so only certain words remain. Then they hang out on the curb as they lay down this stencil and hit the curb with some paint. Then they pick up the stencil, replant the burned signs, and walk off like nothing happened, all while going totally unnoticed.

'Perhaps I am naïve, but I am stunned by the utter silence and noteworthy absence of outrage by feminists/progressives/Democrats at the characterization of Ms. Mender as a “whore”.'

No, Pedro, you're not naïve, you're a jackass. The vast majority of feminists/progressives/Democrats aren't reading these comments so their silence is understandable. This feminist/progressive/Democrat noted the word and was planning on criticizing it but I encountered your pigheaded rhetoric first.

Then you're grossly irrational and your opinion counts for nought. Also you're exercising a false dichotomy -- the alternatives are not only coincidence or Mender doing it herself -- she could well have been targeted by some prop T opponents (but not, of course, by "prop T" opponents *in general*, as Pedro Nava's obscenely offensive political -- in the worst possible sense of that word -- rhetoric would have it); we simply don't know. I'm with SezMe on "that stupidity is only matched by the loons here who accuse Mender of doing it herself on NO basis whatsoever" -- there is so much stupidity and irrationality here from *some* proponents on each side.

"calling her a fame whore is little bit different then straight out calling her straight on whore... just saying.."

This is quite true, a la Alan Grayson calling Linda Robertson a "K street whore". Of course the sexist origin of the more general use of the term is still relevant and makes it still offensive, which is why Grayson apologized. But in this case it's just some random web twit using it, and Pedro Nava is buffoonishly destroying all his credibility and good will by using it as an opportunity to grand stand. Why isn't NOW calling out LivinginParadise for use of this sexist offensive term? Uh, they have better things to do than read the thread, duh. Pedro Nava = jerk forever after in my book ... and to think I used to be a fan of his.

“marijuana activists contain an element that is aggressive and that is hostile.” That is Funny LMAO. anti marijuana activist are psychotically hostile they have been imprisoning people for years for possesing a chemical less toxic than alcohol by far. SprayPainting 420 hahaha that is agressive and hostile. well could be worse

When will the investigation of the sign burning be complete. It is extremely odd that the grass around the signs was not burnt, that the sign appears to only be singed as if by a bic lighter, and the 420 on the curb was just a little too neat. Come on, STENCILED!?!

And what is the likelihood that you would even notice the 420 on the curb? Think about it. You are traumatized by the invasion of your space, the burning of your message in the front yard, so much so that you walk to the sidewalk and look over the curb at your toes. Uh-huh.

This sign burning incident is an entire fabrication, a misuse of the press and public trust, and grandstanding by blowhards on a mission of self-interest. Unfortunately there will not be a damned thing done about it.

Thanks SBsailor for posting the script of this publicity farce - I hadn't realized how absurd Mender's story of seeing the 420 on the curb is.Having someone trespass in your front yard and singe a sign is obviously a very serious crime justifying major expenditure by SBPD and major coverage by the media. I found out last year that if someone goes into your back yard and rips off $4000 or so of legal personal property in the form of medical marijuana, SBPD doesn't send an officer to make a report. They only have an officer respond if the identity of the perpetrator is known, according to dispatch. I called back after talking to a lawyer and asked if I could record this and had an SBPD officer knock on my door around 5 minutes later, after being told they were very busy and it would probably be hours. Had a footprint and fingerprints on my shovel, no follow-up.So Mender is another red shirt who wants a residential collective on every block - makes a lot more sense than having dispensary owners continually harassed and burned by the city.

It is legalization of a substance that offers a lot of benefits but most of all the mellowing out of our society. All those who oppose legalization, remember to offer your stubborn apologies next year when you realize the sky did not fall, the crazies aren't running in the streets, every teenager has not turned into an addict and overall drug use is on the decline because we finally have one that is legal and all the juicers that used to beat their wives are better husbands because they smoke it and Ben and Jerry have sold a lot more ice cream. We will graciously accept your apologies.

Not that I advocate this behavior, and I wouldn't be surprised if it were fabricated, but this woman is a 'drug dealer' too. If she was being treated equally under the law, the police would have broken into her property and her dog wouldn't have been barking long because it would have been shot and killed.. this woman is ADVOCATING this type of force to be used against people who engage in completely voluntary transactions of a plant/medicine that comes out of the ground. What she is doing by supporting measure T is she is supporting that violence against others, and again, while I don't advocate that behavior the logical side of me says she very well does deserve it for trying to push tyranny on others.